Wetland birding habitat

Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Hooded Merganser among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Michters Rd. (Lebanon Co.)1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/30/2026N Church , Stricker Rd, Heidelberg Township, Berks , Pa4 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

5/30/2026Penn State Berks, Reading US-PA 40.35895, -75.972341 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/30/2026stakeout Eurasian Collared-Doves, Shartlesville (2012-present)2 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/30/2026106 Willow Road, Ruscombmanor Township, Pennsylvania, US (40.438, -75.809) Fleetwood reservoir1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/29/2026Middle Creek WMA--New Pond (Auto Tour Stop 3.5) (Lancaster Co.)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/29/2026Schuylkill River Trail--Birdsboro to Montgomery Co.1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/29/2026Middle Creek WMA (IBA) (Lancaster Co.)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/28/2026Middle Creek WMA--New Pond (Auto Tour Stop 3.5) (Lancaster Co.)2 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

5/28/2026Middle Creek WMA--New Pond (Auto Tour Stop 3.5) (Lancaster Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

55/31/2026

Barn Swallow

35/31/2026

American Robin

45/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

25/31/2026

House Finch

25/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/31/2026

Mallard

5/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Chimney Swift

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

5/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Birding at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.